Gdansk mayor's murder and Poland's deadly politics

The murder of Pawel Adamowicz marks a dark day in Polish history, particularly so because the attack was committed in Gdansk, the city where peaceful protests set in motion the collapse of Soviet-style communism in the late 20th century — and even more so because it was carried out at a charity event that had brought together altruistically minded people from across the political spectrum.

Adamowicz had served as mayor of Gdansk for over 20 years and was re-elected just months ago. The assassin has a criminal record and is apparently psychologically disturbed. Yet his statement at the crime scene right after the attack leaves no doubt that he acted on a political motive. The responsibility for Adamowicz's death lies squarely with those who have sowed political discord and stoked hatred in Polish society in recent times.

DW's Bartosz Dudek

The mayor was intensely disliked by Poland's nationalists, in part for offering to welcome and accommodate refugees in Gdansk. Adamowicz was also the........